WA: WA election set to be a cliffhanger: Newspoll

AAP General News (Australia)
02-10-2001
WA: WA election set to be a cliffhanger: Newspoll

Today's Western Australian election is set to be a cliffhanger, with a last-minute
opinion poll showing record support for independents and minor parties.

The Newspoll, published in today's Australian newspaper, shows a swing to Labor of
almost five per centage points, but it may not be enough for the ALP to win government
in its own right.

Labor is polling 49.5 per cent to the Coalition's 50.5 per cent on a two party preferred basis.

Opposition leader GEOFF GALLOP is on par with Premier RICHARD COURT on the question
of who would make a better premier with both polling at 40 per cent.

Conducted on Wednesday and Thursday, the Newspoll shows primary support for Labor at
39 per cent and the Court government ay 38 per cent.

But almost one in four voters look set to vote for independents or a minor party with
their combined support at 23 per cent.

The National Party appears to be the big loser with its support halved since the 1996 election.

One Nation is polling at seven per cent across the state and at 12 per cent in rural electorates.

Support for the Democrats is at three per cent and for the Greens, five per cent.

AAP RTV sal/rt

KEYWORD: POLL WA (SYDNEY)

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